Page 32 of The Wolf Prince

Sabrina clinked her glass against mine. “I wouldn’t say that. You learned something at least.”

If I did, I had no idea what it was. Maybe she had some insight. “Tell me the bright side to this fiasco.” I felt like such a fool, like I’d put my trust in the wrong person. Like I’d let myself get my hopes up despite knowing I shouldn’t. I took a sip of my drink.

“You’re worth a hell of a lot more than a romantic picnic prepared by some guy who can’t even show up for his own date.”

Ty just didn’t strike me as a guy who would go to all that trouble not to show up. I really didn’t understand what had happened.

We both laughed and clinked our glasses again. Sabrina was always there to lend a sympathetic ear. I’d been stood up by the guy of my dreams and it sucked, but at least I had her.

And some really tasty mimosas.

We walked back into the living room and made ourselves comfortable on the couch. Not as comfortable as I’d been upside down, but I’d return to that position later.

Sabrina pulled the throw blanket off the back of the sofa and covered her legs. “I’m still shocked, though. Something doesn’t feel right about the whole situation. Why would he go through all that effort to set up a romantic picnic if he was just going to bail on you at the last second?”

I shrugged. “Great question, and maybe if I ever speak to him again, I’ll ask.” I tucked my legs under my body. “Honestly, I have no clue what could’ve made him act like this when it seemed so important to him that we go out in the first place, but I feel like an absolute fool.” I’d given one of us way too much credit. I just wasn’t sure which one. “Why did I think for one second that he’d want to be with me?”

Sabrina turned to face me, reaching over to take my hands. “Don’t say that, Liza. You’re way out of his league. He should be thanking fate that you were matched with him, not acting this foolish.”

“Thanks, Sabrina.” I smiled. “I needed that pep talk more than you know.”

She grinned back at me. “Any time. Now let’s finish this bottle of champagne and move on with our lives—minus Ty Keller.”

We finished off the champagne, toasting to a better tomorrow.

At some point, we turned the TV on to some over-dramatized cop show, which we found to be absolutely hilarious, thanks to the champagne. I couldn’t understand why the lead detectives always missed the most obvious clues.

My mind drifted to my previous conversations with Ty. They’d been brief, and he’d insulted my job. He had apologized profusely, though. The effort he’d put in to show he regretted it made me think that he wanted to pursue me. Had I missed some kind of obvious sign?

Sabrina laughed at something on the TV and fell off the edge of the couch. Poor thing. She couldn’t hold her alcohol, but it wasn’t her fault. She was human, therefore well past tipsy after a few glasses.

Since I was a wolf, I barely felt a buzz, but it was lingering in the back of my mind. One more bottle and I’d probably be right there with Sabrina, and now I wished I could be drunk. Maybe then the sting of being stood up wouldn’t be quite so damn bad.

But I knew that wasn’t the case.

No matter how drunk I got or how many times Sabrina spoke encouraging words, it wouldn’t dull the ache. Ty had broken my heart. Hopefully, it would only be a matter of time before another guy came around and made me forget all about him. If that was even what I wanted. Part of me didn’t want to try again. I was content being on my own. I had been for years and I’d survived. Why change that pattern now?

I fumbled for my phone in the crevice between the cushion and the back of the couch. We needed food, and there was no way I had the energy or the inclination to cook. Chinese takeout fit the bill. I ordered two portions of chicken fried rice, egg rolls, and egg drop soup.

I’d hardly eaten anything all day in anticipation of some lavish picnic. Plus, my nerves probably wouldn’t have tolerated food. I hadn’t had much of an appetite leading up to the date, anyway.

“Food will be here soon.” I squinted at Sabrina, who had decided to stay on the floor.

She was sprawled out like a seal sunbathing on a rock.

“Fantastic.” She stretched her arms over her head and let out a loud yawn. “I’m starving.”

“I know. All that drinking can really work up an appetite, huh?” I stood, and took our empty glasses and the equally dry champagne bottle to the kitchen.

“Why are hot men such pigs?” Sabrina called from the living room floor. She sat up and crossed her ankles. “Seriously, I’d like to know what makes a handsome man think he can do or say whatever he pleases with no regard to a woman’s feelings?”

I shrugged and traipsed back to the couch. “The bigger the dick, the lower the IQ. That’s a scientific fact.”

Sabrina hooted and rolled on the floor. “Maybe that’s what I should’ve focused on for my science project in high school. Think I would’ve gotten a better grade?”

I laughed as I imagined her trifold board with measurements and photos of her specimens. “I would’ve given you an A.”

Our food arrived, and we devoured it as if we hadn’t eaten in days. Neither of us cared that we spilled soup down our clothes or chewed with our mouths open. We were drunk and pissed. Nothing else mattered.

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